That was beautiful. Well, if you would please stand with me and take your Bible and turn to Revelation Chapter 2. We'll continue the series as we're going to go through these seven churches. Revelation Chapter 2. And I need to get there myself here. We looked at, this morning, verses one to seven, dealing with the church at Ephesus, and trust in the Lord, use some truths to apply to our hearts. We could title that message, Leaving Our First Love. If we had a title for this message, it would be Loving to the End, or Love to the End. And let's look now, with the Lord's help, at this text. We'll read it, and then we'll ask the Lord, through prayer, for his help. Revelation, chapter two, and verse eight. And under the angel of the church in Smyrna write, these things say at the first and the last, which was dead and is alive. I know thy works and tribulation and poverty, but thou art rich. And I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews and are not, but are of the synagogue of Satan. Fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer, Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches. I just draw your attention to that plural use of the word again, because it was to Smyrna, but it's also something to the Lord's churches. We want to receive it. It's preserved for our benefit. And I want you to notice the end of this verse. He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. Let's pray. Father in heaven, thank you again for your word. Thank you for preserving it for our benefit and for our good. We ask that you would now help us. We pray that we'd understand the truths that you have for us. We pray that you'd make it very evident, especially for the young people that are here, Lord. Please make your reality evident to them. I ask for your help personally that you enable me to preach effectively. And I pray that you would bless the hearers with the grace needed to listen with their hearts and not just their ears. And we will be quick to praise you, Lord. Thank you for what you've already done for us today. And we praise you in Jesus's name. Amen. Thank you. You may be seated. This is now the second description of our Lord and another declaration of one of His attributes. He is the first and the last. He is which was dead and is alive. Now, I think that the attributes fit the churches that He's writing. And it's good that this church be reminded that the head of their church is the one who is the author and the finisher of our faith. He is the Alpha and the Omega. He is the beginning and He is the end. If we could say it this way, He is A to Z and everything in between. He is first and last. He's everything to us as Christians, and He's everything to His church. But not only is He first and last, it says this, which was dead, and is alive, which was dead, past tense, and is, present tense, alive. Jesus is writing to a church that's going to suffer great persecution. Some of them will be martyred for their faith. They'll be killed. And he's reminding them before that happens that I am the one who was dead, but I'm alive now. I have that power. The resurrection is real. And the One who is writing them this truth is waiting for them when they enter into glory. If you've ever read the book of Ezekiel and you'll notice in the first chapter and the first couple chapters, there's a vision that Ezekiel is given. And it's very confusing on the surface. I mean, you look at it and you're like, what is all of this about the wheels and this is turning here and this is moving there and this creature is doing this and that creature is doing that. And if you look at it, it's kind of like the Lord has allowed Ezekiel to see in a vision the workings of everything. that God is in control of it all. The mechanics of the universe, the mechanics of life, God is in control of it all. And one might wonder, why would Ezekiel need to know that? Why would he be given this special vision? Well, I believe one of the reasons could be because of the mission Ezekiel was called to accomplish. That mission would be very difficult. God said you're going to go to a people that aren't going to listen to you. They're going to be stubborn. They're going to be against you. And He says this, that they're going to have, and I'm paraphrasing, but you can look it up later, they're going to have hard heads. You're going to speak to them, and they're going to be hard headed. But you are going to have a forehead stronger than theirs. Meaning, I want you to know that what you're called to do is going to be difficult, But let me first give you a vision of who's calling you to do this. And I imagine that if all the Lord did was give Ezekiel this mission and this ministry, this task of speaking and preaching to people who had no interest whatsoever in what he had to say, that could be very discouraging. But what he does first is give him a glimpse into the majesty and power of who he is. God gives Ezekiel this vision of this majesty and power of who he is. And I imagine that having seen that vision and knowing who God is and what God can do, I imagine he went into that ministry more motivated than he would have if he was just left to figure out things by himself. I think that's kind of like it is here in this church. The Lord desires them to understand, you're going to go through some suffering. You are going to endure some tribulation. But I want you to know that I see it, I know what you're doing, I know what you're going through, and it will be worth it all. It'll be worth it all. And I'll be waiting for you, as it were, in glory. And I believe that the application for churches today is that the head of our church, he knows about the suffering that we have. He told us that we would have suffering. We'll see that in a little bit. It ought not be a surprise. But I believe in this text, he gives us two things. to help us love to the end. Let's say that the Lord spoke to our hearts this morning, and there was an area we needed to make right with our love for Him, and let's say that we did that. Let's say that we've confessed our sin to the Lord, we've made things right with Him. We said, Lord, I can't search my heart perfectly, but You know my heart. I've asked You to search me, cleanse me, see if there'd be any wicked way in me. The best I know, my ability, I want to be right with You. I want to have my love pure for You. And so you believe by God's grace that He's going to do that. Well then, what you want to do is you want to keep your love like that. Amen? You don't want to just do it for today. You want to make sure that your love lasts. That you keep your love, as it were, to the end. You want to draw an eye to God knowing He's going to draw an eye to you. And you don't want anything in this world to distract you or discourage you from that. I think there's some principles in this letter to this church that would help us do that. This is a church that is being told, I mean, it's not the most encouraging letter, you're gonna suffer and you're gonna die. You know, that doesn't sound like the most encouraging letter to receive, but the Lord's always honest with us and we're thankful for that. And so let's look at two things today, things that'll help us love to the end. Number one, the reality is this, number one, things are not always as they seem. Things are not always as they seem. Look at our text here. These things say at the first and last, which was dead and is alive, I know thy works and tribulation and poverty. Parenthetical phrase, but thou art rich. To the world, it looks like they're impoverished. To the world, it looks like they're struggling. Maybe they're meeting in secret. Maybe they don't have a lot because they're trying to take care of each other. And when you've got a lot of mouths to feed, things don't last as long as you want them to. Whatever the reason, Jesus wouldn't exaggerate. He knows they're working for His behalf. He knows they're laboring. And because of their work for His behalf, He knows they're suffering for it. This word tribulation speaks of that, of going through great difficulty because of their work for Christ. and poverty. We don't know all the details. Maybe they're suffering because of that. We do know this, that where Smyrna was located, it was about 30 miles a little northwest of where Ephesus was. We do know that there was historically a group of violent Jews that we'll speak about in just a few minutes. We know that it wouldn't be a surprise if they were facing persecution. Matter of fact, in the coming years, after this, there's a man named Polycarp, who was a student of the Apostle John, and he'll be martyred And we'll read about that in just a second, but it's very likely that a lot of the poverty that they're going through is because of their faith in Christ. That's very important to understand that. We're not talking about people who are struggling because they're refusing to work, or people who are lazy, or people who just decided to sleep in or play video games, and now they don't have a lot of money. We're not talking about that. We're talking about a church that's desiring to work for the Lord, suffering tribulation because of it, and in poverty because of it. But things aren't always as they seem, because what the world would look at and say, they're poor, Jesus says, but thou art rich. But thou art rich. You have to understand as a Christian what treasure and what wealth really is. If I brought a bar of gold up here to the pulpit, and I held it out for you, you might think there's a great value in that. But I would submit to you it depends on the circumstance. Because if we went out fishing on one of these charter boats off Montauk, and I brought that bar of gold with me because I don't trust anybody else, I want to make sure it stays on my possession, and you fell overboard without a life jacket, and you're struggling in the current to stay up, you're tired, you can't swim very well, And because I love you, because I care about you, and because I want what's best for you, while you're there flailing your arms and almost drowning, I say, here's a bar of gold, and I throw it out to you. It's probably not what you want at that moment. If you had the choice between a life preserver and a bar of gold, in that moment where you're ready to drown, You'd let the bar of gold sink and you'd grab hold of that life preserver. Or maybe try for both, I don't know. But I know this, that one of those things has more value because of the circumstance. It'd be the same thing if you were going into a bank and you wanted to put a deposit down on a loan and you offered them a life jacket as collateral. They probably would prefer the bar of gold, right? Well, I don't know of a right illustration to help explain this, but I think you get the idea. Things have value depending on who's looking at it and depending on what the circumstance is. But what Jesus is teaching us today, and you've got to get this in your heart, as a Christian, you need to understand where true treasure lies. where your investments will pay off. Right now, all of us are involved in some way financially. We either get a paycheck, or we have a savings account, or we've got stocks, or retirement, whatever it might be. But I promise you this, that 50 years from right now, I'm 46. I don't think I'm making it to 96. There's a good chance I'll be with the Lord. If the Lord doesn't return, and everything moves on in this life, and we're here 50 years from right now, With the exception of the young people that are here, the investments that you and I make, there's gonna be one type of investment we care a lot more about in 50 years than the other investments. And it'll be the investments that are eternal. And what Jesus is teaching this church is that I know that because you're making strong stands, I know that because you're trying to do the right thing, I know that the world doesn't see your value, the world kind of dismisses you, you're not that big of a deal, but you have value to me. And that's what matters. Jesus, the head of the church, is the same one who said in Matthew 6, verse 19 to 21, Listen closely. And so things aren't always what they seem. This church looks like they're in poverty, but in reality, they were very rich. This idea of understanding where true value lies is why the Apostle Paul, moved by the Holy Spirit, writes to Timothy in 1 Timothy chapter 6, verses 17 and 19, charged them that are rich in this world. But let me just stop right there. The only way for Timothy to preach to people who are rich in this world is if there were people who are rich in this world in the church. There's no sin in having money. There's no sin in having nice things. So He didn't say, charge those that are rich in this world that they be not rich. No, it's okay to be rich. It's just that you be not high-minded nor trust in your riches, but in the living God who giveth us richly all things to enjoy. If you have things to enjoy, that's a cause to give God glory. Now, listen closely. That they do good, that they be rich in good works. Hey, it's good to have a lot in the bank account. There's nothing wrong with that. But it's also good to be wealthy in your life, in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. Meaning, it doesn't take someone prying open your hand to help out somebody that needs help. This is a big deal in Galatians. Galatians chapter 6 is very clear about this, that we are to bear one another's burdens, but you're also to bear your own burden. It's like, so, well, which is it? That means this. If you see someone who's being lazy and they're asking you for help, the best help you can give them is hand them a job application. But if you see someone who's doing everything they can, they're diligent, they're trying hard, they're doing everything they can, and they just need a little help, there's nothing wrong with helping them. You help them bear their burden. They're working to bear their own burden. You can help them bear their burden. And so Paul says that they do good, they be rich in good works, ready to distribute, willing to communicate. Now listen closely. Laying up in store for themselves a good foundation against the time to come, that they may lay hold on eternal life. And you go, wait a minute, are you saying that if you are rich and you give to people, that's how you get saved? No, he's not saying you lay hold on salvation. What he's saying is, people that have that mentality, that I can have physical wealth, but it's just a tool that I'm using for the greater investment, which is spiritual, that person has laid hold on. They understand what eternal life is really all about. They understand that this world is not our home. We're just passing through. Their real treasure is laid up as the song goes somewhere beyond the blue. And so when the Lord says in Revelation 2, you have poverty, but thou art rich, Jesus knows how to look at a situation the right way. And he knows how to say what has real value and what doesn't. Matter of fact, What matters is what the Lord says anyway. Amen? What other people think is not the opinion we're looking for. We want to know what the Lord thinks. And if you don't think that's true in relation to value, then just listen to what the Lord says to the church at Laodicea in Revelation 3. He says, because thou sayest, I am rich. and increase with goods, and have need of nothing, and knowest not that thou art wretched, and miserable, and poor, and blind, and naked. So you have Samarna that looks poor, but Jesus says you're very rich, or you're rich. You have Laodicea that says, I am rich, I'm increased with goods, but Jesus said, you have no idea that you really are poor, and you're blind, and you're naked. And again, what Jesus says is the most important. He continues and says that He counsels them to buy of Him gold tried in fire, this is a pure gold, that thou mayest be rich, white raiment, that thou mayest be clothed, and the shame of thy nakedness does not appear. And here's the remedy, anoint thine eyes with eyesalve that thou mayest see, and that's what we want this afternoon. We want to see like we're supposed to see. So remember this, when you're looking at situations, When you're looking at life, especially we live in a very sensual world. I don't mean that in the sense of immorality. I mean the senses, what you see, what you hear, what you smell, what you taste, what you touch. This is a very temporal, physical, sensual place. But as a church of the Lord Jesus Christ, as Christians who are called to be like Christ, you have to see correctly. And what you need to understand is things are not always as they seem. What the world exalts, the Lord doesn't necessarily exalt. But what the world puts down, that may be the very thing that Christ will use and exalt. That's what Paul says about how we're used. He says that it's the, he doesn't use the greatest things, right? He says that to the church at Corinth. This is the Lord's economy. And so they look like poverty, but they're actually very rich. What matters is what the Lord says and nobody else. So in the text, it says, I know thy works, tribulation and poverty. So he also says this, and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and then look at this phrase, and are not. So here we go again, things are not always what they seem. They look poor, but they're actually very rich. And then here's a group of religious people that say they're Jews, but you know what Jesus says? But they're not. That means it's possible for people to say they are something, but then not really be that thing. They say, but they are not. But what they are, he says, is the synagogue of Satan. The synagogue of Satan. Turns out that not all religions are acceptable after all. Just because it says that it's a synagogue, or just because it says they're a follower of the Lord, doesn't mean that it's true. There's a young man on YouTube that a man in the church sent me, and I was watching his interview, and he said something that was really very true. It was very powerful, too. He said, you've heard this expression that not all roads lead to God. He said, I don't agree with that. I think all roads do lead to God. And at first, you know, you go, wait, hold on a second. That's not true. But listen to what else he said. All roads do lead to God, but only one road ends with forgiveness. You see, everyone is going to stand before God one day. It doesn't matter if you're an atheist, Hindu, Muslim, if you go to a Baptist church, Presbyterian church, whatever. It doesn't matter. All of us, whatever road we're on, we'll stand before the Lord one day. Either at the great white throne or the judgment seat, we're all going to be before the Lord one day. But see, the road that is Christ, the way, the truth, the light, that's the only one that ends in forgiveness. And so here's another example of this, that there's those that say, but they aren't really, and what Jesus calls them is a synagogue of Satan. That's not Him being unkind, that's Him trying to help this church understand who they're dealing with. Matter of fact, He describes them here in the text, He says, I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews. Now, this word doesn't necessarily mean it's against God. It could be against that church. It means accusing and railing. And it definitely could be about God. That's the ultimate form of blasphemy. But this is what the Apostle Paul was before he was the Apostle Paul, when he was Saul of Tarsus. Listen to his own words. He says, I punished them off in every synagogue and compelled them to blaspheme. being exceedingly mad against them. I persecuted them even under the strange cities." But he wasn't one that just compelled others to blaspheme. He says to Timothy that he thanks Christ Jesus his Lord, quote, "...who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me in the ministry, who was before a blasphemer." and a persecutor, and injurious. And so you see in Acts this type of man that Saul was, it should not surprise you that there are still those kind of quote-unquote Jews later on in the book of the Revelation. And they are persecuting Samarna. They are persecuting the Lord's people. They sure didn't live like they were the Jews. They sure didn't live like they had been given the oracles of God and that the books of Moses and the prophets were important to them. Their life did not line up with what they claimed to be. They were a type of people that the historian Eusebius talks about. If you've never read, you've heard of Josephus. He was a historian, and so was Eusebius. And he writes about the Jews. And listen to this. This is an interesting quote. In his book on ecclesiastical history, he says, quote, When Polycarp was apprehended and brought before the pro-council at Smyrna, the Jews were the most vocal and violent towards him. After his condemnation to death, here's what Eusebius says, the Jews, being especially zealous as was their custom, ran to procure fuel." Meaning, when this Christian was sentenced to death, it was the Jewish sect that couldn't wait to get enough wood to make sure the fire was nice and hot. They couldn't wait to see him dead. This is the spirit that Smyrna is facing. This persecution we're talking about in Revelation 2 isn't just a little bit like, oh, someone didn't take a track when I wanted to leave them a tip at the restaurant. This is real persecution, life and death. And the Lord says that not everything is like what it seems. Poverty, but you're actually very rich. There's those that say they're Jews, but they're really not. And this is Jesus' words, the synagogue of Satan. It's a synagogue, it's an assembly, it's a congregation, but it's a congregation of Satan, not of God. So, number one, to help you endure to the end, to help you endure your love, you have to understand something. that when you face difficulty and you suffer persecution for standing up for truth, like all I'm trying to do is stand up for truth and you suffer because of that. Remember, things aren't always what they seem. It may feel like nobody understands you, but beloved, I have good news for you. God sees it all. And that's why he says to this church, I know thy works and tribulation and poverty. I see it. But I also know the real value. The world doesn't get it, but I do. Secondly, fear not, only believe. Fear not, only believe. This is a statement Jesus said to a man named Jairus, but it applies here in Revelation chapter 2 as well. Because he says in verse 10, fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Now listen closely. Jesus did not say you're not going to suffer. You are going to suffer. you are going to go through trial and tribulation. What he said was, fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Behold, the devil shall cast some of you into prison, that ye may be tried, and ye shall have tribulation ten days. Be thou faithful unto what? Until it gets really hard. Be thou faithful unto death, and I will give thee a crown of life. Vance Habener said, quote, If you are under any illusions about the attitude of this world towards Jesus Christ, try really living for Him for one week, and you'll find out how they really feel. End quote. If you're under any illusions about the attitude of this world towards Jesus, try living for Him for one week, and you'll find out. Albert Barnes said, quote, he did not promise them exemption from suffering. How many Christians, wouldn't that be nice? We're saved, we're one of the Lord's churches, exempt from suffering. No, unfortunately, or not unfortunately, but just in reality, Jesus does not promise them exemption from suffering. He continues, quote, He saw that they were about to suffer, and He specifies the manner in which their affliction would occur. But He entreats and commands them not to be afraid. Instead of fearing, they were to look for the crown of life, and to be comforted with the assurance that if they were faithful unto death, it would be theirs. We need not dread suffering. This is beautiful. Please hear this. We need not dread suffering if we can hear the voice of the Redeemer encouraging us, and if He assures us that in a little while we shall have the crown of life." Amen? We need not dread suffering. John Phillips preached the message on Job. And in his introduction to that message, when he had gone through the opening text, explaining all the difficulty that Job went through. This man lost his children. He lost his wealth. He lost his property. This man lost his health. He was in bad shape. John Phillips said, quote, the great question in the book of Job is this, will Job's experience triumph over his theology, or will his theology triumph over his experience? Now, that is a very relevant question even today when some experience good, bad, or indifferent. When some experience good, bad, or indifferent comes, here's the question we must ask ourselves. Will my theology, will what I believe about God, Would I confess about Christ? Would I believe about the Holy Spirit? Will my theology triumph over that experience? Or will that experience triumph over my theology? End quote. This is what Smyrna is facing. Smyrna, what are you going to do? You're going to go through suffering? You're going to go through tribulation? Are you going to let that triumph over what Christ said? Or are you going to allow what Christ said to help you triumph over the suffering? Beloved, none of us should be surprised that we go through tribulation and trial. Paul said to Timothy, moved by the Holy Spirit, that persecutions, afflictions, which came unto him at Antioch and Iconium, he endured them, but out of all them the Lord delivered him. And he says this, and I'm quoting him now, moved by the Holy Spirit, yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution. If you live godly in Christ Jesus in this world, you will suffer persecution. Peter said, moved by the Holy Spirit, Beloved, think it not strange concerning the fiery trial, which is to try you. That word try is the same word Jesus used in Revelation 2. When you're going into prison, that you may be tried. And it doesn't mean they're going to have a gavel and try you in court. It means you're going to be tested. And so Peter said, don't be surprised by that. He said, you shouldn't think it as, quote, some strange thing happened unto you, but rejoice inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ's suffering, that when His glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy. If ye be reproached for the name of Christ, happy are ye, for the Spirit and glory of God resteth upon you. On their part He is evil spoken of, but on your part He is glorified. But let none of you suffer as a murderer or thief or an evildoer or as a busybody in other men's matters. What he's saying is, if you're going to suffer, let it be for good. Don't let it be because you're a jerk. All right. If you have hatred in your heart towards somebody else, that's what a murderer is. If you are unkind to people. My dad used to use this illustration when we were growing up. He talked about someone who'd come into church and they'd say, just pray for me. The devil's really fighting me. And what's going on? On the way to church, got a flat tire. Devil's really fighting. Someone says, that tire that's been showing the metal threads for four weeks, that tire? Yeah, that's the one. Well, that might not be the devil fighting you. That just might be bad decision on your part by not replacing it when you could have. Maybe it was God's goodness to let it last that long. So not everything is the devil fighting. Sometimes it's just poor choices on our part, or we're reaping what we've sown, or we're enduring something because we did something. But while that may be true, what Peter says is, yet if any man suffer as a Christian, If any man suffer as a Christian, let him not be ashamed, but let him glorify God on his behalf. And you want to know something? Peter walked the talk. Peter suffered as a Christian. Peter was told not to preach and not to teach on Jesus. But the Bible says in Acts 5 that They departed rejoicing. They were counted worthy to suffer shame for His name. And daily in the temple, in every house, listen closely, this is very important, they ceased not to teach and preach Jesus Christ. They suffered because they taught and preached Jesus Christ. Then they rejoiced because they were counted worthy to suffer for Jesus Christ. And then they ceased not. They continued to do what they'd done before. That's what the Lord is saying to Samarna. Listen, I know your works, I know what you're going through, but I'm going to tell you, you're about to go into more. You're going to suffer more, but cease not. Be faithful. Don't fear what's around you. Rather, be focused on the One who is above you. If you would take your Bible and turn with me to Mark chapter 6, please. I want to illustrate from the Gospel of Mark what the Lord is teaching. Smyrna, Mark chapter 6. We just said and maybe with a little humor about some things that we suffer because of our own actions. But the reality is this, beloved, is that there are Christians who suffer not because they're doing anything wrong, just because we live in a fallen world. But there's also Christians who endure tribulation and trial because that's exactly where the Lord wants them to be. In Mark 6, we have a very interesting text that is connected to our Lord feeding a multitude miraculously. In Mark 6, verse 45, straightway He constrained His disciples to get into the ship, and to go to the other side before unto Bethsaida, while He sent away the people. And when He had sent them away, He departed into a mountain, to what? And when even was come, the ship was in the midst of the sea, and he alone on the land." So let's just put our imaginations here. If you look on a map, this was not a long journey to get from where they were up to Capernaum, Bethsaida, where they were supposed to go. All they had to go, it would be a little north and east, all right? But what happens is they're not where they're supposed to be because the winds are contrary. They're in the middle of the sea. They're in the midst of the sea. So they're off course. So the disciples are down in the sea. Jesus is up in a mountain praying. Now there's beautiful imagery there of our Lord, is it not? That he ever liveth to make what? Intercession. So here we are down here, but our Lord is up there, interceding, and we praise Him for that. But I want you to understand in the next verse here that in verse 48 it says, "'He saw them toiling and rowing, for the wind was contrary unto them.'" What does toiling mean? Toiling means laboring immensely to the point of exhaustion. As a matter of fact, with this word is the idea of suffering pain. They are rowing so hard and so strongly that their back is killing them, their arms are killing them, their legs from trying to keep in a position where they can keep rowing is killing them. In all reality, they're hurting because they're trying to row so hard. They're toiling. You say, well, how did they end up in this situation? Ready? Please listen, this is very important. They ended up in this position by obeying Jesus. I want you to get in the boat, I want you to go to Bethsaida. So what did they do? They got in the boat and they went, but there was a wind that was contrary to them. You ever tried living for the Lord in this world? It ain't smooth sailing, is it? You tried to witness to your family. You tried to be pure and live a holy life and do right. The winds aren't always with you, if we could say it that way. And so you find yourself toiling. But here they are, enduring hardship, but not because of sin, because they're doing the right thing. And beloved, just because you're trying to do the right thing doesn't mean everything's going to go easy for you. Smyrna was doing the works, suffering tribulation. They were in poverty, but they were spiritually rich because they had invested eternally instead of temporarily. And guess what the Lord said? Here's what you get for it. Prison and death. So here's the disciples on the road or on the boat. But I want you to notice it continues. And about the fourth watch of the night, he cometh unto them, walking upon the sea, and would have passed by them. But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit and cried out, for they all saw him and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them and saith unto them, Be of good cheer, it is I. Be not afraid. Beloved, that's the same thing he told the church at Smyrna. Fear not. Fear not, the Lord said. Let me quote it from him. Fear not, or fear none of those things which thou shalt suffer. Beloved, we could say the same thing. The Lord has promised to never leave us or forsake us, in tribulation, in trials, in persecutions, in sufferings. You just got done finishing Romans chapter eight in the church here, I believe, and you've already learned in the end of that chapter that you can endure a lot, but nothing will separate you from the love of God. Nothing will separate you from the love of God. You know what Paul says, by the way, this is really good. He says, yeah, we are more than conquerors. That's in that text. But here's what he says. He doesn't say after these things. He says in all these things, we are more than conquerors. It doesn't feel like it when you're in the trial and tribulation and persecution, but I have to take Jesus word for it, not my feelings. And in this I can be a conqueror, more than a conqueror. Through Him. That's through Christ, not on my own. Through Him. And so here's the disciples. They're in this situation. But I want you to see the, I believe, one of the most beautiful parts of this text. Go back to Mark 6 and join me. The ship was in the midst of the sea. The disciples are in the sea. He alone on the land. So He's not where they are physically. But I want you to look at verse 48. And He saw them, what? Toiling. They're working, they're laboring. If the Lord looked down on the church, I hope He'd find you toiling. Amen? I hope He'd find you working and rowing. Because you know what the disciples could have done? They could have done this. This is what we get? This? All we're doing is trying to obey the Lord. The Lord said to do it, we did it. Get in the boat, we got in the boat. Go towards Bethsaida, we did that. This is what we get? I'm done. You know what they could have done? They could have said, listen, there's no point. Just let the wind drive us. Let the wind take us where it's going to take us. We'll get on course later, when the storm stops. But they didn't do that, did they? They decided to toil anyway. Because while the wind was contrary, they were going to work as hard as they could to stay on course to where they were supposed to go. You've heard this before, I know, because Pastor Graf is your pastor. Stay the course. Stay the course. It feels like we're... Stay the course. Keep rowing. But the best part of the text is not just that they continued toiling, which I think is wonderful. I believe one of the best parts is the first three words, he saw them. But yeah, but I thought he was in a mountain. He was in a mountain and they were in the sea, but he saw them. Do you know how he saw them? He's God. And you may not see him, but let me tell you, friend, beloved, please listen. He sees you. And that's what he's telling Samarna. I know your works, your tribulation. I know it. I see you. Be faithful. Don't fear what you're gonna suffer. Be faithful to the end. That's what he says in verse 10. The devil shall cast some of you into prison that you may be tried, tested, and you shall have tribulation 10 days. This word 10 days just means this. It's temporary. Aren't you glad for that? Amen? This is a phrase used in the Bible. We're not gonna have time to go through it all. But back in the Old Testament, when Rebekah was found by the servant, and he says, I'd like to take Rebekah back with me, Rebekah's family said, could you just let her stay here just a few days, at least 10 days, meaning just a short time? It's used like that in scripture, and it's used that way here. You're gonna suffer tribulation, but I have good news for you. Weeping will endure for a night, but joy comes in the morning. Listen, beloved, get this, suffering is temporary. Just 10 days. And then there's not only that, but be that faithful unto death. You mean the Lord would allow them to die? One of the most interesting things in the book of Acts to me, and I forgot what time I got up here, so I'm just gonna keep going, all right? But in the book of Acts, you have this really interesting account in Acts 12 where Peter, is miraculously rescued from prison. Remember that account where Herod, you know, stretches forth his hand and the prayer was made of the church and for Peter and that's the story of Herod sees him outside and all that stuff. But you know how the chapter starts? After the death of James, at the hand of Herod. And you think, I gotta tell ya, if I'm part of James' family, if I'm James' friend, and I saw Herod kill him, and then just a short time later, Peter is miraculously saved? I'd have some questions. I'm not trying to be irreverent. I'd have some questions about that. Why did that happen? That's not fair. Why would God let James die, but why would he let Peter be miraculously saved? Here's the thing, beloved, some things are God's business. All things are really God's business. That's not my question, and if the Lord said to Samarna, here's what I've called you, you're gonna be martyred for my sake, then I wanna tell you, true faith is this, coming into that situation, where they're brought before these zealot, Jew-like believers who are just zealots who are trying to manipulate the government to get rid of the Christians. You're brought before that kangaroo court, but you're brought before them and you realize it's happening, just like the Lord said. And it's just a few minutes here on this earth to their time, but in a few minutes time on this earth, I'm gonna be with my Lord. Because he promised me this would happen, but he also promised me a crown of life. That's faith. That kind of faith is how you fear none of the suffering. And I don't know what's coming for the Lord's churches in 2025 or 2026 or 27, however, long we're here, I don't know if the Lord's gonna return, but if he doesn't, it could get a lot worse for believers. You gonna let that move you? You gonna let that shake you? You gonna lose your love because of the persecution? You gonna lose your love because of some suffering? Don't do it, beloved. Learn from Smyrna. Things aren't always as they seem. God sees and God knows, and God knows what's eternal, not temporal. And the second thing is to fear not, just believe. Don't be distracted by what's going on here. And you may experience death, but I have good news. It will not hurt you. Death does not hurt the believer. There's no sting in death. But I want you to notice what he says here. He says, he that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death. There's two deaths. You've heard this before. You're born once, you die twice. Remember when death and hell are cast in the lake of fire? This is gonna sound a little bit like an oxymoron, but someday in the future, when God decides, death will die. Death will be cast in the lake of fire. That's the second death. But see, you don't have to face the second death. You don't have to face the second death. Now, it'd be great if the Lord raptured us all and we didn't have to face the first death either. But I wanna tell you something. If you do have to face that first death, it's the only one you're ever gonna see. You'll have a crown of life, you'll be with the Lord, and it won't hurt you, there's no sting in it. But if you are not saved, This isn't speaking about self-will and putting one foot in front of the other. I'm gonna live the Christian life myself. No, it's not talking about that. We are more than conquerors through him. We need the Lord. So those that have put their faith and trust in Jesus Christ, those that are part of like Smyrna, the Lord's churches, the Lord is giving encouragement to. It's gonna feel like you're forgotten. It's gonna feel like you're forsaken. It's gonna feel like I gave my life to Christ, and now we're suffering great tribulation and great trial? Remember this. You're in the middle of overcoming, and you don't have to fear the second death. Now, this seems like a very difficult and negative message, but it's in the Bible, and we need to hear it. Death is part of life, but you don't have to fear it. So there are those today, I would encourage you to do exactly what he said here. Don't fear the things which you're gonna suffer, and be faithful unto death, and you will receive a crown of life. I imagine when you receive it, and if the Lord wants me to serve that way too, then when I receive it, I think all of us would say this, it was worth it, it was worth it. Suffering is temporary. You may experience death, but it will not hurt you. And if you're saved, you don't have to experience a second death. That won't hurt you. The last question is this. Back to the real value. It looks like poverty, but really, God says you're really rich. A lot of us are investing, but I want to ask a question. Your most important investments right now How are they gonna look in 50 years time from right now? In 2075, if the Lord hasn't returned, your children will still be living, maybe. But there's a good chance we won't be living anymore. But our investments will be. So how are you investing, eternal or temporal? Don't be distracted by this world. Don't be duped by the temporal. Things are not always like they seem. The Lord always gets it right. This world has its own ideas, its own measurements. Oh, you want to live that way? That's poverty. Jesus said, and I love that it's in parentheses, don't you? It's almost like the Lord is saying this, I know better. I know you're rich. That's the wealth I want. That's the wealth you should want. And also, things aren't always what they seem with people. There's those that say they're religious and they're Jews. Jesus said they're not, they're not real. They're in the synagogue of Satan. They're gonna persecute you, they're gonna sell you. Don't let it bother you. Fear none of the things which thou shalt suffer. And here's why. Because Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego didn't get saved from the fiery furnace, but they did get delivered through the fiery furnace. And that's exactly what the truth is, the Smyrna. You're not gonna be delivered from persecution. You're not gonna be delivered from trial. You're not gonna be delivered from suffering. But you can endure it because of Jesus Christ. You can endure it because of who the head is. So be faithful unto death if necessary, and fear not. Let's pray. Father in heaven, thank you for this very interesting text. And Lord, it seems odd that you would plan for one of your churches to go through suffering. We know how we view suffering and tribulation and trial, and yet you saw fit in your plan and your design to allow these people in Smyrna and also what you say through John to other churches, and I believe like this one, there's just gonna be a time when we have to endure it and suffer. I pray that you'd help us remember these lessons, that we would not be duped or deceived by the temporal and the sensual. Help us believe and live according to the eternal. I pray that we not fear false religion around us, or fear what others may threaten to do to us. I pray you keep us faithful.